Gas chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis of epoxidised canola oil

Abstract

Peroxyformic acid prepared in-situ was employed for epoxidation of canola oil in the presence of toluene. Gas chromatographic analysis of the product revealed the following species: C16:0; C18:0; C18:1; C18:2; C18:3; monoepoxy C18:0; monoepoxy C18:1; monoepoxy C18:2; diepoxy C18:0; diepoxy C18:1 and triepoxy C18:0, that were well separated and easily quantified. Result also revealed that epoxidation of canola oil was almost complete after 8 h using 4.0 moles of 85% formic acid in excess hydrogen peroxide. The 1H and 13C NMR of the products are discussed. © 2006 Chemical Society of Ethiopia.